Whale Spotting with Boston Harbor Cruises

Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale-a tale of a fateful trip-that started from an eastern port, upon a mighty ship.

First of all, you’re welcome for lodging that little ditty in your sub-conscience all day long.  Now, while you hum along, let me tell you about what was, ironically, a three hour whale watching excursion from Boston.  Boston offers multiple whale watching excursions, but we chose Boston Harbor Cruises because they promised high speeds that would get us to the whales swimming grounds faster.   I’m all for getting there faster and seeing things sooner, so we signed up.

~The Face of Seasickness~

Now there are some facts in life that just can’t be avoided.  In Gilligan’s world it is a comedic fact that they can make a radio out of a coconut, but they can’t fix a hole in a boat.  In my world, it is an unfortunate fact that I suffer from seasickness.   In typical rose colored glasses fashion, I hadn’t thought at all about the possibility of seasickness, but focused completely on the awe inspiring experience of seeing the whales.  I began to panic though as we headed out into the ocean and the captain announced that they were experiencing “rougher than normal seas.”  That panic was quickly replaced with completely debilitating seasickness. 

~The lucky one who did not inherit the curse of the seasickness~

Tragically, three of my kids have inherited their mother’s seasickness, which manifested in complete stillness, and then progressed to a sprawling stupor.  I, too, succumbed to a seasick induced sleep coma to try to avoid the more unpleasant side effects of the hugely swelling waves.   At this point in the trip, three kids were down for the count and the mister was on sick kid duty.  For a minute, he foolishly tried to complain that it was really hard being the only person who doesn’t get seasick.  I only had to glare with greenish dizziness and he came to his senses, realizing that being the only one not seasick is kinda like being the only one not in labor for 12 hours.  It’s a whining war you just can’t win. 

~Waiting to See the First Whale~

After hours of bashing our way through pounding waves, we finally reached the whale sighting waters.  The first sighting of whales breathed new life into the seasick crowd, and we all rushed to the front deck to get a glimpse of our own.  

~Whale Spouting in the Distance~

With a marine biologist on board to help with the science of the whales, we watched for the tell-tale spout of air from the surface of the water.   With the first puff, the crowd collectively drew in an anticipatory gasp, and then the majestic arching back peeked teasingly above the water.   Following the glossy black back was the money shot-the black and white tail raised grandly into the air before slapping powerfully into the water.  

The unusual waves that had battered our boats (and stomachs) had slowed our progress so much that our three hour tour was 5 ½ hours before it was all done.  I would have kissed the ground once we landed, but my seasickness stuck with me for the rest of the night.  So, a picture is worth a thousand words, but is it worth eight hours of seasickness?   When they capture the mystery and majesty of the humpback whale–absolutely!

~Beautiful Scenery to Enjoy on the Way~

~Know Before You Go~

• Seasickness can happen at anytime, but the crew and other passengers who had sailed on the catamaran before assured me that they had never had seas quite this rough for a trip before.  Lucky me!
• If you are prone to seasickness be sure to take the proper precautions.
• Tours are scheduled for three hours, but the return time is not guaranteed.  If you need to return at a certain time, be sure to give yourself a good cushion of time.
• Snacks and drinks are available on the boat, as well as bathrooms and plenty of comfortable chairs.
• Bring along a pair of binoculars to get an even closer view of the whale action.
• Pack some games or toys to keep the kids busy during the trip out to sea and back to the dock.  It can be a long wait!